Severe weather spotter training is Wednesday

Region 21 Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service (NWS) in Cheyenne, Wyo., is teaming up to offer a Severe Weather Spotter Training this week.

The training will be held 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at the Sidney High School Auditorium. It is free for anyone to attend.

According to Ron Leal, director of Region 21 Emergency Management, the training is offered every spring.

Of the various topics taught at the training, participants will learn about cloud formation, how hail is formed, what to look for in tornadic storms and the difference between a funnel cloud and a tornado.

"It's important to know that a funnel cloud does not touch the ground, a tornado does," said Leal.

During a severe storm, Leal said he and Sheriff John Jensen divide the county to spot storm activity. They are in contact with NWS by phone and travel to where the worst part of the storms are reported.

"We chase until there is no longer a threat," Leal said.

The Sidney Police Department also helps out during a severe storm.

"We go out and spot for funnel clouds and storm events," said Joe Aikens, assistant police chief. "We also make sure the storm isn't causing any damage."

Aikens said the police force has participated in weather spotting training and some members of the police department will attend Wednesday's class.

Tornadoes are rated on the Fujita scale and based primarily on the damage tornadoes inflict on human-built structures and vegetation. The tornadoes are rated 0-5, with 5 being the most damaging.

According to NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist Chad Hahn, there have been a total of 51 tornadoes in Cheyenne County since 1950. The last was in 2013 near Huntsman. The tornado was rated an EF-0 tornado and did not cause any damage.

"The largest tornado Cheyenne County has seen was an F3 on the scale in 1985, causing $2.5 million in damage," Hahn said.

According to Hahn, tornado season typically runs from May until June. It occasionally starts in late April.

"We work closely with local law enforcement and county emergency management to help spot tornadoes," Hahn said.

Hahn encourages people to come to the event and learn about the storm spotting process.

"We rely heavily on volunteer storm spotters," Hahn said. "We need that flow of information on whats going on in the area."